Animal print home décor ideas

From Alexander McQueen to Christian Dior and Versace, leopard prowled the catwalk for top designers in autumn 2024. This particular animal print has now moved into interior design and is trending in home décor, the spots changing from tacky to chic in the blink of an eye.

With zebra and tortoiseshell joining leopard as popular animal prints, 2025 is the year to take a walk on the wild side with your home interiors. Discover ways to introduce the trend to suit different styles and ensure a modern look rather than retro in the wrong way.

Choosing your print

Making animal print congruous in your interiors relies on you choosing the most complementary pattern. Consider the size and palette of the print as well as the size and palette of your spaces to find the best match rather than just opting for your favourite design on paper.

·       Leopard: A detailed and condensed pattern, a little leopard goes a long way, especially in smaller spaces that are already cluttered. Large spaces give the print more room to breathe but it will still dominate.

·       Zebra: Large and in charge, decorating with zebra print is a great way to pack a punch of personality without straying far from a classic finish. The irregular stripes are cool and contemporary while the monochrome is easily integrated into existing colour schemes.

·       Tortoiseshell: Muted, warm and working seamlessly with this year's 'dark neutrals' trend, tortoiseshell has a strong vintage feel that blends well in accessories and hard furnishings such as tables and cabinets.

Decide on a spot

Once you've decided which prints you want in each room, you need to find the right spots to feature them. Analyse your spaces and assess where you want to display the print and draw the eye without overwhelming the room.

For example, featuring zebra print wallpaper on a blank wall behind a sofa is a great way to fill space without making the room feel busy. A leopard print armchair could lift a dark corner while tortoiseshell ornaments will draw the eye upwards and expand cramped areas. Go online to find inspiration for how to incorporate your prints and try your purchase in a few places to see how it could tie in before committing to a placement.

Mix and match

You don't have to limit yourself to one pattern per room – embrace the recent rise of maximalism with daring pairings of deliberately clashing prints. Choose unexpected contrasts such as large geometric shapes and leopard print or vintage florals and zebra stripes. Think about conflicting colourways too such as pastels and neon or neighbouring shades on the spectrum.

Consider mixing design styles as well. Leopard print fits in effortlessly with indulgent interiors like Bohemian and Art Deco but can also work in opposing minimalist spaces. You could centre a sparsely decorated room with sleek furniture like the Hammonds' fitted living range. Try a plush leopard print rug and matching cushions or a stand-out sofa. Zebra print is a great way to soften and unite a strong monochrome palette, either on the walls or floor.

Add hints and highlights

If the idea of a leopard print carpet is disconcerting or you're dealing with small spaces, hints of animal print are the best way to approach this home décor trend. Small touches will go a long way towards creating depth in your designs and bringing whimsy to staid interiors.

Cushions are an easy way to nod towards the style. Leopard print looks glamorous against richly coloured velvet while zebra is chic on a black leather or white boucle sofa. Tortoiseshell looks spectacular in solid furniture like coffee tables or as a frame for a mirror, instantly adding a quirky old-world edge to contemporary spaces.

Book your bespoke design visit today

Ready to transform your living spaces with animal print home décor but unsure where to start? Book a bespoke design visit with our experts to assess how best to include these striking patterns alongside our space-saving fitted furniture range. In combination, these elements will ensure a home that's functional but expresses your individuality and brings you joy every day. Whatever your project, we're always on hand to help bring your dream interiors to life.